Fuwa are, quite simply, the most adorable thing ever.Don't know what Fuwa are? Don't worry, I didn't either before I arrived in Beijing. I mean sure, I knew that the Olympics had these silly little mascots, but I didn't realize there would be a name. Or marketing. Or a clever message disguised by adorable.
In Chinese, names are often doubled, or repeated, as a way of showing affection. So the precious, precious Fuwa are called Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying and Nini - really, Bei, Jing, Huan, Ying and Ni. Anything sticking out at you? No?
How about now: Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni
Yeah, you're getting there? Good. Beijing huanying ni is the pinying for "Beijing welcomes you."
Not only are the Fuwa as cute as tiny little buttons, but they also serve a pretty sweet purpose - they welcome you to Beijing! So, let's say it together...
北京欢迎你!
And honestly, I've felt incredibly welcome since I arrived. Even though I don't speak a lick of Mandarin, I've had others willing to help me order safe food, navigate taxis and generally guide me through Beijing. People might look at me funny (fun fact: the grocery store four blocks from our hotel carries every kind of Herbal Essences but the curly hair kind I use), but they almost always seem amused by our presence, not irritated.
I'm going to try to keep up with this blog over the next few weeks and months as a volunteer for the XXIX Olympic Games in Beijing, China, and a student at Imperial College in London, England. As I navigate food, customs and learning how to shoot with my new (old) Nikon D70s, I'll let you know about any adventures and misadventures here.
